Candidate Instructional Guide November 2024

Ballot Designation

Candidates who qualify for the ballot have the option of a printed ballot designation directly below their name. This designation is used to describe the candidate's elected or appointed office or their principal profession, vocation, or occupation. Elections Code requires the completion of a Ballot Designation Worksheet as part of the nomination documents, even if choosing no ballot designation. A sample Ballot Designation Worksheet is included at the end of this section. Ballot designations shall strictly adhere to the provisions of the Elections Code. After the filing of nomination documents, the City Clerk shall review and verify that each designation complies. If a ballot designation does not adhere to the Elections Code, the candidate shall be notified that the designation shall be changed. If the candidate does not respond within three days of the notification, the City Clerk shall withdraw the designation.

SELECTING A BALLOT DESIGNATION

A candidate may submit a proposed ballot designation according to one of four provisions outlined in the Elections Code.

1. The name of the candidate's elective office;

2. The term "incumbent" as it refers to the current holder of the office;

3. The term "appointed incumbent" or "appointed" refers to the current appointed holder of the office; OR

4. The principal profession, vocation, or occupation of the candidate.

Option 1: Name of Candidate's Elective Office

When a candidate holds elective office or is a judicial officer, the designation may be the elective office the candidate holds when filing nomination documents. There is no word limit for designations under this category. For example: Morgan Hill City Council member, City Council Member District A; or Santa Clara County Supervisor. A copy of the candidate's official Certificate of Election shall be provided to the Office of the City Clerk as proof of elective office. A copy of the Certificate of Appointment shall be provided for a judicial officer.

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17575 Peak Avenue | Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (408) 779-7259 | clerk@morganhill.ca.gov

Rev. 03/16/22